The Saints of Donovan

Chapter 10: Return to Grimauld

Draco Malfoy's stay in Severus' home was short lived, which brought the young boy great disappointment. Donovan could tell, despite how introverted he was, that Draco had been a guest of Severus' many times, and that he was comfortable to be himself there. He and Nessa both used every room freely at their own disposal, where as Donovan was given fewer liberties. So when Donovan heard that they would be leaving Severus' house the weekend after Draco's arrival, he couldn't deny a slight excitement. London hadn't exactly proven to be the adventure he'd been hoping for.

"I don't understand why I have to attend this meeting of yours. Especially with the unsavory company that I'll have to endure…" Draco mumbled monotonously one night at dinner, the only one that the four of them had spent together. Donovan picked at his food nervously, feeling uncomfortable again. These three wizards seemed so dark in their mores, and "meetings" always seemed to bring bad things with Severus.

"My business with the Order won't take very long. I don't enjoy that pack either, but I've been called to action by Dumbledore. It's only for one night Draco, and then we'll be on our way to Hogwarts." Severus growled, cutting his steak into perfect squares.

"But, Severus…I don't get on with that lot. Especially Potter, he and his friends will give me no mercy…now that father and mother…" Draco faltered, gulping hard.

"If they give you any grief I'll see to it that's it's put to a stop. I won't tolerate poking fun at others' misfortune." Severus finished. That was the final word in that respect. Donovan watched as Draco's face got more and more peaky, his face twisting into a scowl. He removed himself from the table, and neither Severus nor Nessa thought anything on it.

"I don't know if I should ask…" Donovan prodded when he was sure that Draco was out of earshot.

"His mother and father were sent to prison. It's a disgrace to his family. This year won't be easy for him; especially since he dearly loved his mother. The other students will be relentless; he's not the most favorite person in the Slytherin house." Nessa sighed, pouring everyone more tea.

"Oh…" Donovan sighed sadly.

"I won't stand for that sort of thing. I'll take points away if there is anything said in my presence." Severus barked, "As should you Nessa. I don't think there should be any tolerance for that sort of thing." He grumbled, chewing his food more fervently.

"Indeed." Nessa sighed.

oooooooooooooooo

That night Donovan was instructed to pack quickly because their trip to "the order" was to be a quick and sneaky operation. He was told to pack everything for they would not be coming back; Severus would be teaching again at Hogwarts. This excited Donovan, but scared him at the same time. He wanted adventure, but being with people that didn't believe what he did, that were considered sinners in his beliefs was going to be very difficult. Witchery was normal for these people, and it was going to be a real culture clash for him. But this school is where his mother had attended; part of his history was there, despite how much he disagreed with it.

Donovan was instructed to haul all his belongings into the library, where the quarter would travel via "floo powder" to "Number 12 Grimauld Place", according to the brief conversations he'd had with Nessa and Severus.

"No, Nessa will go first, so you can see what to do." Severus gestured Nessa to enter the fire place, which she did, clutching her parcels about her.

"Number 12 Grimauld place," Nessa spoke clearly throwing powder at her feet. She was engulfed by flame and then disappeared from sight. Donovan swallowed hard, his mouth getting very dry. He didn't know exactly how he felt about this; was this something he shouldn't partake in.

"Now, I will go. I'll see you two on the other side." Severus said, stepping in to the fire place as well, speaking the same address and disappearing.

"You go." Draco sighed, "I'll go after you." He said with out looking at Donovan. Donovan clenched his bags in his fists, swallowing hard again and forcing himself into the fireplace. He had to do this, despite whether it was wrong or not. He took a fist full of powder and threw it at his feet without another thought.

"Number 12 Grimauld Place!" He said loudly.

oooooo

The next thing Donovan knew, he was being pulled up off the floor by two young men, both identical and with flaming red hair.

"So you're Snape's understudy eh?" One of them chided, patting him hard on the back. Donovan toppled forward slightly, still delirious from the odd form of transportation.

"What're you-" Donovan staggered, trying not to vomit. He was steadied suddenly by a short plump red headed woman, obviously the others' mother.

"Boys take his bags, we've got one more coming through." The red-nosed rosy-cheeked woman beamed, brushing Donovan off lightly. Donovan sighed and smiled down at her, and awkward silence between the two.

"Mollie Weasley dear, I presume you're Donovan? Well welcome." She said hurriedly, guiding him lightly through an extremely crowded house. Severus and Nessa were chatting with a grizzled old man with a bulging electric-blue eye. There were people of all shapes and sizes, but an odd number of flaming red heads here and there (some taller then others). Donovan even spotted a tall man with a purple top hat, which he found odd but didn't have time to meet any of these people. A few teenagers started following he and Mollie into another room, leaving the hustle and bustle of the hall.

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER!